Tugun beat Runaway Bay in RLGC nailbiter to set up showdown with Southport, who lose to Currumbin

TUGUN will enter another do-or-die semi final against Southport armed with the belief they can beat anyone after getting out of jail in yesterday’s sudden-death battle with Runaway Bay.

TUGUN will enter another do-or-die semi final against Southport armed with the belief they can beat anyone after getting out of jail in yesterday’s sudden-death battle with Runaway Bay.

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In a seesawing encounter at Boyd Street, the Seahawks emerged 26-24 victors following a missed penalty goal attempt from Bay winger Jake Powell after the full-time siren that would have sent the game into golden point.

Instead, Tugun will now prepare for next Sunday’s trip to Southport, who fell 34-16 to Currumbin in this afternoon’s qualifying final at Owen Park.

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“It’s been a tight comp all year and I think on the day, anyone can win. Everybody has beaten everybody, us included,” Tugun coach Clint Barends said.

“I thought that about the whole top five this season. (Minor premiers) Burleigh obviously were the standout and they deserve to be favourites but we are the only team that have beaten them this season.

Rugby League Gold Coast elimination semi final - Tugun vs. Runaway Bay. Photo of Samuel Meskell

“We were a bit lucky (on Saturday) so I’m happy to get away with the win. It’s just about getting the job done. We will need to be better next week.”

Having finished the regular season in fourth spot, the Seahawks got off to a flying start against Bay as tries from Ethan Roberts and Sami Latu inside the opening 20 minutes helped them to a 12-0 lead.

Seagulls forward Steve Tolo and Tim Cassidy then traded tries to make it 16-6, before Jenan Wedderburn-Parrish scooted over from dummy half to leave Bay trailing 16-12 at the break.

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The visitors then hit the lead for the first time when front-row giant Doryaan Hape-Apiata barged over midway through the second half, with Ben Fritz crossing two minutes later to give the Seagulls a 24-16 advantage.

But the Seahawks refused to wilt, with Cassidy crossing for his second before Corey Morris scored to return Tugun to the lead at 26-24.

Runaway Bay prop Doryaan Hape Apiata. Picture: Richard Gosling

With Bay chasing a matchwinning try in the dying moments, a ruck infringement gave Powell a shot at two points after the bell but his shot faded wide of the right-hand upright.

“That kid doesn’t miss, he’s an unbelievable goalkicker … the best I’ve seen,” Barends said of Powell.

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“I thought we were going to extra time so we came up with a plan for golden point. I would’ve been worried about going against (Bay) in extra time with the size of their forwards so I’m happy we didn’t get there.”

Having come from behind to down Southport, Currumbin will now travel to Burleigh in the grand final qualifier.